The Classic Cocktail (that really is its name) is essentially a Side Car Cocktail (cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice), but with with the addition of maraschino liqueur.
While I couldn't find much information or stories about the history of this cocktail, I did discover that it appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock, originally published in 1930 (affiliate link).
I first tried this cocktail about seven years ago, after purchasing a bottle of Luxardo maraschino liqueur to make the Tuxedo Martini and then the Hemingway Daiquiri Martini. I pulled out my 1999 copy of the William Sonoma Bar Guide, checked the index, and found this cocktail.
Key ingredients in The Classic Cocktail:
The cocktail begins with brandy or cognac. In addition, you add orange liqueur. My preference is Cointreau, but you can use triple sec.
The maraschino liqueur is made by Luxardo, an Italian company. They also produce some amazing jarred cherries. Be sure to get the clear Luxardo in the basket wrapped bottle, not the red liqueur.
Finally, be sure to use fresh lemon juice in this cocktail.
The Classic Cocktail also comes with a sugar rim. I've tried it with a wide ring of sugar around the top of the glass, as well as a thin ring of sugar along the edge (which is easier to do). Either way, use a lemon to coat the rim before dipping it in the sugar.
This cocktail reminds me of something you might see served in a bar during the Mad Men era. It's delicious, refreshing, a little bit sophisticated, but still perfect for sipping at the end of a long day.
Summer Cocktails To Beat The Summer Heat!
Hosted by Michelle from Our Crafty Cocktails
- Malibu Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Slushies by Our Crafty Cocktails
- Honey Lemon Margaritas by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Citrus Peach Red Wine Spritzer by That Recipe
- Raspberry Mojito by Books and Cooks
- Blueberry Mojito by A Day In The Life On The Farm
- Slushy Pineapple Cosmo by Our Sutton Place
- Strawberry Wine Slushie by Rebekah Rose
I'm so excited to try them all!
Updated post: I first posted this recipe for The Classic Cocktail in June of 2013. This post has been spiffed up with new photos and a printable recipe card.
The Classic Cocktail Recipe
Yield: 1 cocktail
This cocktail reminds me of something you might see served in a bar during the Mad Men era. It's delicious, refreshing, a little bit sophisticated, but still perfect for sipping at the end of a long day.
Ingredients:
- 3 T brandy or cognac
- 1 T Cointreau
- 1 T Luxardo
- 1 T lemon juice
- Sugar and lemon for rim of glass (optional)
Instructions:
- Place a cocktail glass (martini or coupe) into the freezer to chill.
- Place all of the ingredients except the sugar into an ice filled shaker and stir or shake.
- Rub the rim of the frozen glass with lemon juice and dip the rim in sugar.
- Strain the cocktail ingredients into the glass.
Calories
259.18
259.18
Fat (grams)
0.26
0.26
Sat. Fat (grams)
0.03
0.03
Carbs (grams)
16.37
16.37
Fiber (grams)
2.46
2.46
Net carbs
13.91
13.91
Sugar (grams)
10.01
10.01
Protein (grams)
0.99
0.99
Sodium (milligrams)
6.24
6.24
Cholesterol (grams)
0.00
0.00
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Nice cocktail!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Deleteoh that looks sooooo good. the color is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It's addicting!
DeleteThat looks deliciously refreshing! Yumm!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI have never heard of Maraschino liqueur. I'm going to have to have Frank get on that LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe bottle alone is gorgeous. I have lots of recipes here using it =)
DeleteTotally irrelevant to the recipe, but I LOVE those dainty flowered glasses. My family has a similar set from my grandmother and I always loved them :-)
ReplyDeleteI love them too! Thanks!
Delete